1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Gold Top (SOLD)

The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe was introduced in 1969 as a re-branding of the Les Paul Standard. Featuring a multi-layer 'pancake' body and routing for P-90 pickups (or mini-humbuckers, which were themselves mounted in modified P-90 covers) the Les Paul Deluxe is most known in its 'Gold Top' form. This metallic gold finish was originally used on the earliest Les Pauls in 1952. In 1977, the 'pancake' body was retired and solid mahogany slabs returned (with the usual carved maple cap). The Les Paul Deluxe was discontinued in 1985 and re-introduced in 2005.

This Gibson Les Paul Deluxe dates to 1976. The serial number by itself can be a bit ambiguous - the same number would appear 30 years later on a guitar built in 2006. Firm dating is determined from the pancake body, which was used from 1969 to 1976, and the serial number being part of a decal on the back of the head. Starting in 1977, serial numbers were stamped into the back of the head. At this period, the necks are 3 pieces and made of maple with rosewood fingerboards.

This guitar has been refretted, and it plays quite well. The original bridge pickup was removed and a TV Jones Classic (English mount) installed, with some routing to the bridge cavity; some finish chipping occured which is mostly covered by the trim ring. A coil tap has been added on the bridge tone control.

Overall this guitar is in very good playing condition, and comes with a Gibson hardshell case.